Vessel safety in the Strait of Hormuz has once again been thrust into the spotlight after the US posted a video early this morning reportedly showing a military helicopter hovering over a crude tanker near the Port of Khor Fakkan on the north-east coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In the footage, said to be depicting Iran special-forces personnel conducting a military operation, marine soldiers can be seen abseiling onto the deck of the Liberia-flagged Wila, an 8 055dwt crude carrier.
UK security consultants Dryad Global have since indicated that the Wila had been targeted because of its links to Greek interests accused by the US of flouting American sanctions against the shipment of Iranian oil to Venezuela.
Although it’s unclear whether the UAE has said anything about the operation in close proximity to its only key port on the Gulf of Oman, US Central Command said: “Today in international waters, Iranian forces, including two ships and an Iranian Sea King helicopter, overtook and boarded a ship called the Wila.”
“Contextually speaking, the operation is a clear indication of Iran’s view that vessel safety in international waters is subservient to its economic interests,” Dryad said.
According to Splash247, the consultancy posted the following on its website: “In targeting this vessel, Iran has potentially sought to send a clear message to vessels which decide to renege on their willingness to take part in, or facilitate, economic activities linked to the nation.
“Iran sees this issue as one of legitimacy, and Tehran would assert that its trading with Venezuela is open, transparent and does not break international law. Iran views US sanctions as an act of aggression, and those who backtrack due to the fear of sanctioning themselves as being complicit in maintaining this status quo.
